Volkswagen Arteon sedan and Shooting Brake pricing revealed

Volkswagen Australia has revealed pricing and specifications for the facelifted Volkswagen Arteon range, which arrives in showrooms in the fourth quarter of 2021 in liftback sedan and, for the first time Shooting Brake wagon form.

Originally due here in early 2021 following the discontinuation of the sedan in late 2019, Volkswagen’s upgraded flagship passenger cars will be positioned marginally above the Passat, taking the fight to the new Skoda Octavia RS and Hyundai Sonata N Line, among other rivals.

For the first time, the Volkswagen Arteon range will be anchored by a new front-drive variant known as the 140TSI Elegance, which starts at $59,990 in fastback guise and employs a detuned 140kW/320Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.

The equivalent Volkswagen Arteon Shooting Brake 140TSI Elegance wagon commands a $2000 premium at $61,990 plus ORCs.

The liftback’s price represents a $5500 saving on the solitary all-wheel drive Arteon R-Line model that  launched in Australia in 2018.

Elegance models sport an updated interior including a virtual cockpit digital instrument cluster, head-up display and 9.2-inch centre touch-screen, as well as 19-inch alloy wheels, adaptive chassis control, LED headlights and tail-lights, ambient interior lighting, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry/start, electric tailgate plus heated and ventilated front seats trimmed in full synthetic leather.

Stepping up the food chain, Volkswagen will continue to offer the 206TSI R-Line, pricing for which now starts at $66,990 plus ORCs – a $1500 increase – and $68,990 plus ORCs for the equivalent wagon.

As before, the R-Line’s 206kW/350Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder apportions drive to all four wheels via VW’s 4Motion all-wheel drive system, and is mated to seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Over the Elegance model, the R-Line adds larger 20-inch Nashville alloy wheels with matching full-size alloy spare, sports seats with integrated head restraints and R-Line Carbon Nappa leather-appointed trim, heated and 14-way electric front seats with driver massage function (there’s no seat ventilation, however), plus requisite R-Line cosmetic touches inside and out.

All Arteon models bring to play an updated IQ.DRIVE suite of safety systems, comprising Travel Assist with Adaptive Lane Guidance, Front Assist with Pedestrian Monitoring, Lane Assist, Emergency Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Side Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Park Assist, Front and rear parking sensors, Driver Fatigue Detection and 360-degree Proactive Occupant Protection.

There’s only one option across the model walk – a $2000 sunroof. All metallic paint options are standard save for the Oryx White Pearlescent hue, which will set buyers back $800.

Volkswagen Australia product and services manager Jeff Schafer expects the updated Arteon line-up to continue its role as a halo vehicle within the VW range, rather than a volume-selling vehicle.

“It’s still very much a niche model within the Volkswagen range, but it’s a product that is near and dear to our heart,” he said.

“It’s a lovely car, just beautiful in the metal. I think there are still people looking for that fully-equipped, premium prestige product. Personally, having seen the shooting brake – it’s so eye-catching and practical.

“You’ve just got to have it. But in terms of [sales] volume we don’t expect it to be huge.”

The updated Arteon sedan and wagon range arrives in showrooms around October.

How much does the 2022 Volkswagen Arteon cost?
140TSI Elegance sedan – $59,990
140TSI Elegance Shooting Brake – $61,990
206TSI R-Line sedan – $66,990
206TSI R-Line Shooting Brake – $68,990
* Prices exclude on-road costs